The Strongest Princess

Father! Why won't you give me your permission?!

Isn't it obvious?

Erin. You are not at an age to go traveling on your own.

If there is somewhere you truly wish to go, take the soldiers with you.

But... I won't be able to get stronger that way.

Hm...?

Last night... I read a book that Duchess Isabel lent me.

And in that book, the hero...

sacrificed his own arm to save the princess!

......!

That's when I... realized.

If I'm weak, Ethan will end up in danger because of me!

Erin...

Father, I'm going to get stronger.

I don't want to be a princess who lets the hero sacrifice himself.

I want to be a princess who stands by his side and fights with him!

......

*Sniff*... I always knew this day might come, but...!

To think you've already made up your mind to leave my side...!

Father...?

...Erin. I understand how you feel.

But, I believe it is still a bit too early.

Can't you... trust me just this once?

I have Bonnie with me, and I promise I'll be back before sunset!

...Ahem.

Forgive me.

As your king, and... as your father.

Princess Erin. I cannot let you go alone.

Father...

Instead, I shall introduce you to an outstanding wizard from the knight order.

For now, focus on your studies.

Knowledge is also vital if you wish to achieve your dreams.

Bonnie... what should we do?

We failed in the end.

Baa... Baa...

Yeah... but we can't give up.

Guinevere did say so last time.

She said she felt an ominous movement... from the Ygritte Empire.

Baa, baa.

Right! The war is over... but another crisis will surely come.

For that day, we must become stronger!

Baa! Baa!

Hehe. Thanks, Bonnie.

But... what do we do now?

Since Father won't give his permission... the soldiers won't let us through.

Baa, baa.

Hm? You have a good idea?

Baa! Baa!

Okay, I got it! Bonnie, I'm counting on you!

I can't believe there was a secret passage in the kingdom...

Bonnie... did you make this yourself?

Baa... Baa...

To think you prepared this in advance for a day like this...

Hehe, Bonnie! You really are the best partner ever!

Baa! Baa!

Rawrrr! Ready to go!

Let's go, Bonnie! Our journey starts now!

Baa!

Rawrrr!!!

......

Th-This can't be happening...

They said dinosaurs are the strongest race...

GROOOAAAR!!!

Hnyah...?! B-Bonnie...! What do we do now...?!

At this rate, the town is in danger...

Cow... Slash!

Moo! That was a close one!

Are you hurt anywhere?

Th-Thank you so much. But you are...?

Moo! I'm Belsey, the Cow Queen!

Friend to all beastkin, and the Queen of Beastrian!

You look like a race I've never seen before... Why are you out here?

...! You're a queen!

Pleased to meet you. I'm Erin, the princess of Elaia.

So you're not a beastkin, but a cute princess instead!

Yes... Someone gave me this outfit to me as a gift.

It's battle gear designed after the strongest race of all, the Kingasaur!

Fufu, I see.

Then I guess there's no need to kidnap you to Beastrian!

That outfit is pretty eye-catching, so if you're just going for a walk, you might want to change into something else.

H-Hey, hold on!

What's wrong?

I know it's a lot to ask of someone I just met, but...

It's my dream to become a strong and reliable princess, just like you, Belsey!

I sneaked out of the castle wanting to get stronger, but...

on my own, I couldn't do... anything at all.

......

How can I become a strong queen like you?

Moo! So you weren't just out for a casual walk?

Hmm... how to get stronger...

Then would you like to come with me?

Huh?

I think showing you would be much faster than explaining it!

Beastrian is an island where all kinds of different beastkin live together.

In a place like that, the role of a queen is absolutely vital!

Beastrian...

You said your dream is to become a strong queen, right?

Then follow me!

I'll personally show you what it takes to lead everyone as a queen!

(Baa... Baa...)

(Yeah... she doesn't seem like a dangerous person to me either.)

Okay! I'll follow you to Beastrian, My Queen!

Moo! Then it's settled! Let's go!

So this is... the legendary Beastrian I've only heard rumors about.

Then let's start the lesson right away!

While strength is important for a queen, gaining everyone's trust is also crucial.

Mediating disputes on the island and earning the trust of the beastkin!

That is exactly how I was able to become queen!

O-Oh...!

Moo! Look, there are some beastkin fighting over there right now.

Let's go see what's happening!

This one stole my lunch!

I did nothing wrong!

I'm a victim too! The guy I lent money to ran away!

If he had paid me back on time, I wouldn't have had to steal your food in the first place!

Hmm... That's a very delicate issue.

Why don't you both calm down first?

If we talk it over while drinking some special Cowfolk milk, we might think of a good solution!

......

What are you talking about, you cow girl?

Get lost if you're not going to give me money!

Special Cowfolk milk? I'm so sick of drinking that stuff it gives me a headache!

......

Princess Erin. Sometimes... moments like this come when words just won't work.

MOO! In times like these, there is a very effective solution.

...! W-Wait a second! I need paper to take notes...

You solve it with raw power.

......

Huh? Didn't you say earlier that while strength is important, there are other crucial things...

Well, that's just the ideal scenario!

If you want to become a strong queen...

Sometimes, you just have to swing your axe!

Now, this is your final lesson!

Eh...?! Didn't we literally just start the lessons?

Moo! It's a special class!

Didn't I tell you earlier? Sometimes, you just have to swing your axe!

If you pass this class, you won't need to take any other lessons!

To put it in human terms...

I guess you could call it an exam for early graduation!

S-So, in other words, if I pass this...

I can become a strong person just like you!

You're a quick study!

I knew you had talent, Princess Erin!

I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors!

Moo! Over here, everyone!

Well, don't we have a very cute guest today?

These girls are the strongest warriors in Beastrian!

If you can defeat them, you might as well be a fully-fledged queen.

Will you take on the challenge?

......

I-It's scary, but... I'll still give it a try!

Because... I want to get stronger!

Let's go, Bonnie! Let's show them our power!

KKKYAOOOOOOO!!!

Rawrrr!!!

I am the strongest princess, Kingasaur Erin!

KKKYAOOOOOOO!!!

......

Well? Are you scared?!

......

......

......

*Sniff*... I knew it. This outfit... really is just pajamas.

They said the Kingasaur is... the strongest race... *Sniff*...!

......!!!

Even when we faced the troll... and even now... there's no effect at all...

Karishara... is a liar...!

W-What are you all doing?! Subdue her right now!

I-I can't move...!

What...?

You might be fine, captain, but we're...

just too terrified to look!

Those sharp teeth feel like they're about to tear us apart...!!!

......

Grr... As the captain, I can't put my subordinates in danger.

You there, did you say you were Princess Erin?

*Sniff*... Y-Yes, that's me...

Subduing my subordinates with nothing but your roar... Truly impressive skills.

......

...Huh?

Of course! Like I said, they are the strongest warriors in Beastrian!

......!

Moo! Congratulations, Princess Erin!

D-Did I... really win?

Of course! Like I said, they are the strongest warriors in Beastrian!

The fact that the cow girls gave up the fight proves that your skills are just that incredible!

......

Hehe, thank you, My Queen!

I thought I'd end up unable to do anything again this time...

With the Kingasaur, there's truly nothing to fear!

My Queen. Why did you orchestrate such a performance?

That kid... I mean, Princess Erin, is a human, isn't she?

Why are you treating that child so well when she isn't even a beastkin?

Moo... What do you mean by that?

Princess Erin is a beastkin.

What...?

The Kingasaurfolk, said to be the strongest race!

If I, a friend to all beastkin, don't help, who will?

Your Majesty...

Moo... You'd better look forward to it!

To see how this small bond from today... will return to us later on!